playbook
Reflections, valuable insights, hand-picked product recommendations, and so much more, all aimed at enhancing the everyday homes of families!
KID-FRIENDLY LABELS
Why do I care so much about our kid-friendly labels? I’ve seen the incredible transformation that occurs when a child feels a sense of ownership over their space. They naturally develop responsibility towards it.
These labels aid in making that happen.
This ownership fosters independence as they learn to take care of their belongings, tidy up after themselves, and decide how they'll use their materials.
Clearly labeled bins and accessible storage allow children to survey their options quickly, inspiring them to mix and match toys in new and inventive ways.
This accessibility promotes spontaneous and creative play.
A cluttered, disorganized playroom can be overwhelming for anyone, not just children, which makes it difficult to focus on enjoying play. Creating a well-organized space reduces the chaos and provides space for children to engage in their activities without distraction.
This organized environment also happens to make cleanup time less stressful, turning it into a manageable task rather than a daunting chore.
A well-organized and accessible playroom is more than just a tidy space; it’s a tool for development. And that's why I care so much about our kid-friendly labels. Thank you for asking 😏
shop our labels
Your playroom organization is only as good as your labels, and the ones currently on the market all have disadvantages.
From fonts that are practically illegible (also, most little kids can't read) to visuals that are downright hideous, there has never been a label that fits our aesthetic and the function of a purposeful play space.
We found ourselves making custom labels for every project, and those pretty little labels were never up to the task of surviving grabby little hands.
I spent over a year developing these labels and have always had unwavering faith in their capability to transform lives. I hoped that someday I would be able to offer them to everyone, client or not.
I am excited to announce the full collection of our Kid-Friendly Playroom Labels is now available in our S✨️H✨️O✨️P or at greenwichplay.com.
Which color is your favorite? Let me know!
how we started
I often get asked, “How did you get into playroom design?” and it happened twice today. So follow me for a quick trip down memory lane to bring new followers up to speed.
In 2017, pregnant with my first child, I left teaching in the classroom to start Greenwich Play, a consulting agency offering children and caregivers professional support and age-appropriate resources to develop healthy habits at home.
What started as preschool enrichment at home quickly evolved to play space design after numerous requests from clients to help conceptualize fun, engaging, and purposeful spaces for their children to learn and grow.
There is no shortage of momfluencers, interior designers, and organizational experts to advise. But, finding approachable information on setting up a purposeful and well-functioning playroom at home is scarce and my clients knew how much they could benefit from this specific support.
So, what is playroom design, and what are the benefits of hiring an expert like Greenwich Play to conceptualize your child’s play space?
When you provide children with a space at home that is thoughtfully and intentionally created just for them, they have the opportunity to explore their ideas and practice skills they are developing in a purposeful way.
Greenwich Play conceptualizes and executes a plan to provide your child with the space at home for purposeful play, whether that’s an entire basement or a small corner of the family room.
As an early childhood expert, I understand that when a room is designed with a specific child in mind, they aren’t consumed by overstimulation, inappropriate materials, or confusing organization. Instead, they connect to their unique learning patterns and interests through independent and stimulating play.
As grown-ups, it’s our job to guide our children to play independently and with intent. This begins with the environment we provide them with to learn and grow at home.
Visit the link in our bio to learn more ✨️
top 3 considerations
At Greenwich Play, we aim to create spaces that will influence purposeful play experiences.
Our top three considerations?
1 • Clear allocation of space.
2 • Developmentally appropriate materials, storage, and design.
3 • Functional organization.
A purposeful play space is an area in your home specifically designed for your child’s age and developmental needs. In this space, your child can play freely and safely without intervention.
This space is fun, welcoming, and organized. It contains age-appropriate, easily accessible play materials for your child to engage with and explore.
Not sure where to start? The link in our bio has tons of info 👆🏻
playroom organization
Your playroom organization is only as good as your labels (yes, you need labels!).
Labeling in a way your child can understand provides opportunities for them to work on their problem-solving skills. They also practice sorting, classifying, and learning to be responsible for their belongings.
Visuals offer children a fast and immediate way to grasp concepts and ideas. A picture can instantly convey a message, while words must be processed sequentially for comprehension.
Appropriate labels open the playroom to a world of possibilities and provide your child with numerous opportunities to develop critical early childhood skills.
Comparable labels on the market all have their disadvantages. Trust us, we’ve tried them all. So we set out to make our own.
Our clear adhesive labels are thoughtfully curated and divided into meaningful categories. They are reusable and applicable to any bin, magnet, or clip.
✨️Shop the link in our bio now or at greenwichplay.com/shop👆🏻
zipline therapy
A zipline can be a therapeutic activity for a child, teaching personal boundaries and capabilities in a safe and supervised environment. Additionally, transitioning from the platform down the zipline and executing a precise dismount requires meticulous motor planning.
Running a small business is a lot like riding a zipline. You plan how to get started, take a leap of faith, ride the wave, and pray for a smooth landing. (Take away the safe and supervised environment because you are diving in head first blindfolded!)
While Instagram has a way of making everything look easy and fun, the truth is that the leap of faith you need to take is terrifying, the wave you have to ride is practically endless, and that smooth landing you pray for? It doesn't exist.
So why do it at all? Following the exhilarating experience of speed and height, a child's zipline journey culminates with a sense of accomplishment and pride.
The same sentiment applies to small business owners. The journey is nothing short of an exhilarating experience, culminating in absolute joy and achievement.
tricky spaces
This used to be an annoying column in the middle of the basement until we turned it into a book nook dividing wall (with a bench and storage, too!)
We built into the soffits and columns so that instead of being eyesores and obstacles, they disappeared. This created a separate gym area for Mom and Dad and helped to clearly define areas of a very large basement.
Many families discard their "tricky spaces" when they can really be transformed into valuable areas of the home. That's where we shine!
Yes, we are playroom designers, but if there were a pretty way to say “weird-and-tricky-space-magicians,” we’d probably call ourselves that.
the perfect blend
We believe in creating play spaces that are both visually appealing and support healthy development. It can be both!
It takes the perfect blend of thoughtful design, educational details, and functionality to cater to the chicest and most discerning tastes (of all ages). And it always helps to have clients who trust your vision and are just simply the best!
If you're dreaming of a unique play space that sparks creativity, click the link in our bio to discover more about our process, shop this post, and more.
critical skills
Did you know you can support your child’s development of critical skills - like planning, organization, memory, and impulse control - with the design of a space?
These skills (also known as executive functioning skills) contribute to a child's ability to focus, follow directions, solve problems, and regulate behavior, and when developed early on, can help them handle complex tasks and challenges as they get older.
What are some ways the design of an environment can support executive functioning?
• Organization: A designated spot for everything can help improve working memory.
• Labeling: Labels, color-coding, and pictorial signs can support memory and task completion.
• Focus: Designating quiet, distraction-free areas can help with focus and self-control.
• Flexibility: Rooms that can be easily rearranged can encourage cognitive flexibility.
• Accessibility: Having resources like books, educational toys, and art supplies within reach can encourage independent learning and problem-solving.
Remember, the key is consistency and predictability in the space, which ultimately supports the development of these skills.
***Shop our new kid-friendly labels directly by clicking this photo through the link in our bio!***
for many years to come
With a few upgrades, this basement became a world of endless possibilities.
There's something for everyone, and there's no shortage of options from which to choose.
This space will work for the three kids who live here for many years to come, and we can't wait to see all the fun that transpires!
the happily eva playroom
Revisiting this epic transformation with words from mom herself, @thehappilyeva:
"From my first consultation at Greenwich Play’s showroom, I was blown away by how knowledgeable they were, and how well-integrated play and science are in their process.
They really know what kids like AND what kids need at certain stages of their development. Designing a playroom that speaks to a nine-year-old, a seven-year-old, AND a four-year-old is a pretty tall order! But I loved that just by sharing my kids’ likes, dislikes, play styles, and personalities, the ideas were immediately flowing.
From there, they designed a proposal for the space, with several different areas: A Sensory Gym, an Art & Game Center, a Stage, and a Café that can double as a ticket booth!"
Read the full article via the link in our bio!
real talk
Real talk: The arts and crafts area is a beast. It's easily the scariest part of the playroom because it can quickly get out of hand.
To help keep things as contained as possible, we follow a few essential rules:
• Position the art area as close to a sink as possible.
• Label materials appropriately.
• Offer a scraps bin.
• Ensure garbage is easily accessible.
• A wipeable floor is ideal (avoid carpet!).
Our new labels are available directly by clicking this image at the link in our bio... The Arts and Crafts Pack is robust and will tame the chaos of any playroom. Following our essential rules will help, too!
fun and games
It's all fun and games until the kids come home and want their playroom back 🙄
cozy corners
Step inside this cozy corner, which offers privacy and tranquility and provides a safe space for children to decompress and recharge.
This small, inviting, secluded spot is a powerful addition to the playroom, and a version of this is easily achievable in almost any space.
From a pop-up tent with fluffy pillows and books to a built-in structure with swings, cushions, and everything in between, creating a cozy nook is a strategic choice for fostering healthy development in children.
We never underestimate the power of a cozy nook.
the dead end
Having a rock climbing wall in your house is cool and all, but once your kids get to the top, there's not much else to do. I often call it the "dead end of the playroom."
In this basement, the goal was to avoid the dead end and create a way to expand the play for years to come.
We designed a wall full of monkey bars and magnet boards, with a basketball hoop in the middle, to create a space where children are inspired to do many different activities and think outside the box.
This one wall offers children the opportunity to:
- shoot hoops
- climb and race
- do obstacle courses
- use the magnet boards for dart throwing or target shooting
- use the magnet boards for Magnatiles or other magnetic materials
AND SO MANY OTHER THINGS!! One wall!
There is no dead end here. And that's just the way we like it.
educated, methodical, experienced
When designing a play space for a child, we strongly believe we offer what other interior designers cannot (even the best).
Our approach to the play space is educated, methodical, and experienced.
We understand child development and how children play.
We appreciate how children best grow, learn, and overcome challenges.
We know the rapid pace at which children’s interests change.
We consider the long-term use of the space.
We understand that efficient storage for children can be used independently of adults.
We only use family-friendly, safe, and functional materials.
We appreciate how a child interacts with their environment.
We have spent 1000s of hours teaching and playing with children.
While we adore so many spaces from various interior designers, we know the level of expertise we bring to the playroom cannot be matched.
environment impacts performance
Once in a while, we will help a mom with a space at home to ensure that, like the playroom, it is intentionally designed to serve its true purpose.
Whether it's a full home office, a closet, or a kitchen counter, ensuring mom's space functions for her unique needs and goals is the key to its overall impact.
Environment impacts performance.
wall hammock
Taming the seemingly endless number of stuffed inhabitants is always a top priority for our clients.
My secret weapon?
The magical wall hammock.
It keeps these cuddly creatures from roaming free and turns them into a display of adorable organized chaos.
Wildlife management... so fluffy and so stylish!
